There’s something about a B-movie; Hollywood films are so long, and often so involved, that a brisk blast through a familiar genre often hits the spot. Casey Tebo’s spirited low-budget indie film fell victim to piracy over the festive season in the US, but it’s the kind of film that horror fans will put their money down for; amongst the attractions, the presence of the great Bruce Campbell is reason enough to tune in.
Although recent years have seen a backlash against such manic consumer festivities, Black Friday is a date that most of us recognise; the big shopping day before Christmas, with news footage of scrambling shoppers watched with derision by those not in the hunt. Just such a bargain hunt is about to befall a toy store in a Boston All-Mart store on Thanksgiving, but there’s also an additional threat in the form of a zombie apocalypse. Ken (Devon Sawa) and Archie (Michael Jai White) are amongst the put-upon workers, but they’ll have to go from zeros to heroes to escape with their lives. Boss and prissy store manager Jonathan Wexler (Campbell) doesn’t seem like the type to help their cause, but you can never write off Bruce Campbell in any movie, and so it proves here…
Mutating monster parasites are the opposition here, able to easily infect shoppers and turn them into even worse creatures than they already are. That means lots of playful gore, and some consumer satire as well; films like this need wit to thrive, and Andy Greskoviak’s script lands somewhere between 1978’s Dawn of the Dead and Chopping Mall, with lots of slimy effects and jump-scare demises.
Black Friday aspires to be nothing more than 90 minutes of fun for horror fans, and even if it’s not a game-changer, it’s hard to argue that it doesn’t work. Campbell is the draw, but the rest of Black Friday doesn’t let him down; this is a proper guilty pleasure, a zesty, energetic romp that never takes itself seriously for a moment, and that’s for the best. Campbell also executive produces, and uses his decades of horror experience to give his legions of fans exactly the kind of fun ride they’d hope for.
Signature Entertainment presents Black Friday on UK Digital Platforms 11th February 2022.
You had me at Bruce Campbell!
Is the correct answer. And a possible title for his next book. Bruce as Basil Fawlty fighting zombies. That’s a concept.
He’d make a great American Basil Fawlty😂
He’ll have to do a phone-in podcast or summat instead.
No relation to Black Sunday, I guess, though you could go shopping in a giant balloon, surprised nobody has tried it, the mall in the sky.
If it ever shows up on Prime for free I’ll be sure to give it a go with the old mark 1 eyeball.
Yup, I think this film might work for you. Wholesome zombie fun.
I quite like a good zombiefest so I’m in for this one.
It’s a laugh. Basil Fawlty vs zombies.
Honestly can’t comment here any more. Keeps kicking me out.
And yet we can read your comment. Of course, I would NEVER kick you out…
Something is wrong with wordpress today Alex, every time I try to comment I get sent to another persons blog and my comment is there. Spent the past hour copying and pasting to get back to where it should be. Argh.
I’ve had a similar time testing and failing to leave comments on boats I follow. But since Alex is blaming me for all the internets, I’ll take full responsibility and blame everyone but me.
Are you at sea?
That should have said blogs. But yes, I’m permanently all at sea…
Well shiver your timber, that should help.
Avast behind! And other nautical jokes…just as well Alex has given up for the day…
I think the issue is if you comment IN the reader instead of visiting the site itself.
Which we can’t do and comment on Dix’s site.
My problem wasn’t just on Dix’s site though, it happened every time I commented on someone’s blog, all of a sudden I’d be on someone else’s blog and the comment I was in the middle of writing on the first blog would be in the comment section of the one I’d been transported to. This should be a sci fi comic!
Right, that’s because I assume you click the title of the post in the reader instead of the “visit” button?
It’s definitely the reader, as even typing this comment in the notification area affects the reader. posts opening up all over the place.
I’m guessing WP updated something and screwed everyone royall.
No change there then! 🙄 I’ll make an effort to do the visit button.
See if makes a difference. It might not. WP definitely did something to the reader and it’s a right bloody mess at the moment!
Will do Booky, apart from Dix’s of course which is beyond redemption by the sounds of it.
Yeah, whatever is going on is really going to bork the comments at his place 🙁
He can do a phone in podcast!
I’m not sure what’s happening, but I get the blame for everything. Of course, I take full responsibility. How much have you been charged?
It’s not just you. It’s the reader. When I’m commenting in the notification area, the reader is popping up posts all over the place. It’s definitely something those censored wp people did!
You have helped me understand the difference between reading and visiting a website. Thanks.
You’re late to the party.
And WP bends us over the barrel once again.
I’ve just had a comment chucked off, blerk. Rightio WP4’s goodnight if you get this, I’m off to rock and roll. Music night at Fraggle Towers. 🎶 🎶
Saw the picture and thought Campbell was John Cleese.
He’s leaning into Cleese territory…
As you know, I’m no fan of the horror genre. But this is enticing…..I love the idea of parasites infecting crazy Black Friday shoppers. I myself participate in Black Friday, but I avoid the Wal-Marts and Targets where you could be literally trampled to death until later in the day when the dust has cleared…….
I’ve never partaken, not a fan of stunt shopping! This is more of a Shaun of the Dead comedy, and makes for an easy watch!